The Team At Riding The Spectrum

Kate Rodriguez - Founder and Therapeutic Riding Instructor

Kate’s love for horses spans more than 30 years, beginning at age 10 in New Jersey and growing into a lifelong dedication to equine connection, care, and education. As both a neurodivergent individual and a parent to a child on the autism spectrum, she brings deeply personal insight to her work - shaping a program where riders of all abilities feel seen, supported, and celebrated.

Today, Kate serves as the Founder and Executive Director of Riding The Spectrum, blending her lifelong love of horses with a strong background in disability advocacy and inclusive program design. She is currently working toward her PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI) credential, reinforcing her commitment to safety, professionalism, and nationally recognized standards in adaptive riding.

Kate’s leadership is rooted in empathy, expertise, and a belief in the transformative power of horse‑human connection. Through her vision, Riding The Spectrum continues to grow as a place where confidence, regulation, joy, and community flourish - one ride at a time.

At Riding The Spectrum, our staff and volunteers embody the values of compassion, collaboration, and lived experience.

Our instructors bring a rich blend of equestrian knowledge, therapeutic insight, and heartfelt connection to every session. Whether they’re beginning their journey or have decades of mastery, each team member is united by a shared commitment to safety, inclusion and respect.

Supporting them is a dynamic network of volunteers whose expertise spans mental health, education, public service, and family advocacy. From licensed therapists and special education professionals to law enforcement officers and parents of neurodivergent children, each brings a unique perspective and heartfelt commitment to creating an inclusive, uplifting environment.

Together, they form a mosaic of wisdom and care that empowers every rider—making our barn more than a therapeutic space, but a home built on trust, resilience, and community.

Riding the Spectrum is a sanctuary of dependability for those who flourish within structure. We understand that routine isn't just a preference—it’s a source of calm, confidence, and connection. That’s why we pride ourselves on being consistently present, showing up with compassion, professionalism, and unwavering care every single day. Our clients know they can rely on us not only to honor their need for predictability, but to create a space where growth is guided by trust and every rhythm is respected. With us, reliability isn’t just a promise—it’s a lived experience.

Kirstin Lawrence - Vice President, Equine Manager and Riding Instructor

With over 50 years of hands-on experience in the equine world, Kirstin began her journey riding as a child, later training horses from the ground up and working at a breeding barn helping to deliver foals. Kirstin brings deep expertise and heartfelt dedication to her work, supporting riders of all ages and abilities. Her compassionate approach and experience with at-risk youth and those facing mental and behavioral health challenges make her a vital force in equine-assisted activities and inclusive horsemanship.

Nina Svele - Riding Instructor

Originally from Norway, Nina began riding and training horses at a young age, later moving to the United States to expand her career in the equine world. She is a highly accomplished trainer in both dressage and jumping, with a well-rounded mastery across all riding disciplines. Nina has extensive experience working with individuals with disabilities, blending her deep knowledge of horsemanship with a compassionate, adaptive approach that empowers riders of all abilities.

Kelly Gould - PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor

Raised on a ranch outside Los Angeles, Kelly has been riding practically since she could walk. While working as an elementary school teacher, she connected with Hearts in 2022 as their summer camp manager—combining her love of education with her lifelong passion for horses. After that first summer, she knew she wanted to spend every day bringing the healing, empowering, and joyful world of horses to the people who need it most.

Kelly brings a wealth of experience from Hearts Therapeutic Riding Center in Santa Barbara, where she supports riders of all abilities with skill, empathy, and a deep understanding of therapeutic horsemanship.